St. Louis Cardinals: Wacha to DL, Gant recalled

After exiting Wednesday’s game against the Phillies in the fourth inning, the St. Louis Cardinals have put Michael Wacha on the 10-day DL.

Injuries have been prominent in 2018 for the St. Louis Cardinals as this time the injury bug has claimed Michael Wacha.

Wacha got through just 3 2/3 innings against the Phillies before exiting the game with what was diagnosed as a left oblique strain.

Since coming close to a no hitter against the Pirates on June 3rd Wacha has allowed 14 runs (11 earned) on 17 hits with a K:BB of 10:9 in 13 1/3 innings.

This three start stretch included allowing nine runs to the Cubs in four innings.

Overall, Wacha has been a pleasant surprise this season as it looks like he has re-found himself after back-to-back rough seasons.

Currently, Wacha’s ERA stands at 3.20 which was the same as it was in 2014 but his FIP stands at 4.14.

Barring a setback, Wacha should be ready for when the Cardinals are in Arizona.

Replacing Wacha will be John Gant who has pitched 24 2/3 innings with the big league club this season.

Gant has an ERA of 4.74 but a FIP of 2.72 which could explain why he was chosen over someone such as Daniel Poncedeleon.

Plus, Gant has been terrific in Memphis, sporting a 1.65 ERA in 49 innings and with the injury being short term the veteran beats out rookie here.

Despite being passed over for Gant, it does appear that Poncedeleon could be still be recalled as his start tonight in Memphis was short.

Poncedeleon could be recalled as he is an option to start Monday’s game as the Cardinals start a series against the Indians and Dakota Hudson is in play as well.

Next: The Cardinals should pursue Mike Moustakas...NOW!

Without Wacha the Cardinals will need all hands on deck as even Carlos Martinez has been struggling lately.